Audi A1 GB vs Renault Zoe ZOE
Audi A1
GB · 2018 – 2026
The second-generation A1 (GB), on the MQB A0 platform.
Renault Zoe
ZOE · 2012 – 2026
The Zoe (ZOE), a compact electric hatchback.
Audi A1
Pick the GB for the Virtual Cockpit and the 35 TFSI’s balance of pace and economy — ideally a well-kept example.
Renault Zoe
Pick the Zoe for an affordable, efficient electric city car with a long range (ZE50).
Performance
EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs ZE50 R135 · Electric
| Audi A1 | Renault Zoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
150 hp
Winner
|
135 hp
|
| Torque |
250 Nm
Winner
|
245 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,7 s
Winner
|
9,5 s
|
| Top speed |
220 km/h
Winner
|
140 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
122,0 hp/t
Winner
|
89,9 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
127 g/km
|
0 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,6 L/100km
|
—
|
Dimensions & space
| Audi A1 | Renault Zoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
335 L
|
338 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.090 L
|
1.225 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,56 m
|
2,59 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,03 m
|
4,09 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
10,6 m
|
10,5 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.100 kg
|
—
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi A1 | Renault Zoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MQB A0 (transverse) | Zoe (EV) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | EA211 1.0/1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI (40) | Q210/R240 (22 kWh) · ZE40/R90/R110 (41 kWh) · ZE50/R135 (52 kWh) |
| Transmission | S tronic (DSG) | Single-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | N/A (electric) |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- DQ200 (7-speed dry DSG): mechatronics and clutch judder on early cars
- 1.5 TFSI (EA211 evo): cold-start “kangarooing” on early units
- 2.0 TFSI (40, EA888): water-pump/thermostat housing can leak
- 12V battery drain
- Charging port and infotainment glitches
- Battery degradation on early cars
Pros
- MQB A0 platform: lighter and stiffer than the old 8X
- Virtual Cockpit (fully digital dials), a class first
- More interior and boot space than the 8X
- Low electricity consumption
- ZE50 with ~390 km range
- Affordable used
Cons
- DQ200 automatic needs care on early cars
- Firm ride on larger wheels
- Options quickly push the price up
- Limited range on early versions
- Battery rental on early cars
Driving experience
Audi A1
Light, easy and more premium than most superminis. The A1 steers quickly and lightly, rides firmly but acceptably, and is effortless to place in tight city streets. It is front-wheel drive only, which suits its urban role. The 1.0 TFSI is smooth and economical, the 1.5 TFSI adds useful pace, and the 2.0 TFSI in the 40 is genuinely brisk. The S tronic is quick; the manual is light and precise. It is a polished, techy small hatch that trades a little boot and rear space for a more premium feel than its Polo sibling.
Renault Zoe
Quiet and smooth in town with instant torque delivery. Early models feel modest above 80 km/h; the R135 is more usable for faster roads. Steering is light and accurate enough for urban manoeuvres but lacks feel. Ride quality is comfortable on smaller wheels and firmer on larger alloys. Body roll is noticeable in corners due to the battery weight. Regenerative braking (especially "B" mode on later cars) aids one-pedal driving in town. High-speed refinement is limited by wind and road noise. Overall a competent and relaxing city EV rather than a dynamic driver's car.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Audi A1
29 for sale · from € 3.690
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Simplici Car Liège
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Renault Zoe
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